Concert
“Formed in Brussels in 2019 by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Sam Huge and keyboardist Gaelle Souflet, ULTRA SUNN quickly made a name for themselves through Europe with a sound that references the EBM and New Beat movements spearheaded by compatriots and mentors Front 242 and Germany’s DAF and infused it with the Future Pop of acts like Sweden’s Covenant and Norway’s Apoptygma Berzerk.”
Heading into Thursday, this limited bio, informed mostly by Apple Music recommendations and the band’s Bandcamp profile, was all I knew about ULTRA SUNN. I was curious, but had yet to fall down the rabbit hole. The opportunity to see them perform live felt like the perfect moment to make the trek into the unknown.
When reviewing a film, I like to go into the experience as blind as possible. I don’t want any preconceived ideas to taint the way I see the movie. That approach works well for cinema, yet it isn’t a great formula for concerts where familiarity with the artist’s songs often enhances the experience.
Preparing for the show, I spend late morning into early evening listening to ULTRA SUNN’s catalogue with an emphasis on their latest release, 2025’s The Beast in You. I wasn’t disappointed. The formula is familiar, but the results aren’t derivative. The only question was if they’d have the magical mix of talent and charisma to elevate the songs above their club-friendly beats into a memorable live experience.
At 7 p.m., I braved the late-day sunlight and made my way to the Metro Music Hall. I wanted to be early enough to ensure that I found space near the front of the stage and was able to see both opening acts, Chaidi and Balduvian Bears.
CHAIDI were featured on the SLUG Soundwaves podcast late last year, but this was my first exposure to the Salt Lake City duo of vocalist Chaidi Brooki and her younger brother Kenny on keyboards. Chaidi took to the stage dressed in sparkly boots, black tights, princess gloves and a long, red jacket that covered all but the tassel fringe of her dress. I expected a sound akin to the industrial pop of SINE or Patriarchy. I was wrong, as the set featured a trip-hop mix of jazz-influenced beats, sparse electronics and a vocal reminiscent of Fiona Apple or Regina Spektor. The audience responded warmly. I enjoyed the vibe. My only suggestion is that a live drummer, which is easily suggested and not simply found, would help to take CHAIDI’s solid live presentation to the next level.
Balduvian Bears, a local act featuring vocalist/guitarist Zachary Anderson and keyboardist Aaron Valentine (who you might recognize from Cassette Drift), followed with a post-punk set that recalled the early 1980s sound of Tubeway Army or Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark with a deeper vocal. The set worked best on the few songs where Anderson added live guitar into the mix. The duo’s cover of The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way” approximates the original but needs the warmth of Tim Butler’s bass, the spike of Mars Williams’ saxophone and the sharpness of John Ashton’s guitar to match the original’s emotional bliss. Anderson was smart enough to not try and imitate Richard Butler’s vocals. Criticism aside, there is clearly some unachieved potential in Balduvian Bears that could manifest in the future.
For their live performances, ULTRA SUNN adds an additional keyboardist who also occasionally plays electronic percussion. While not entirely necessary, this does balance the stage visually and helps to diminish the idea that electronic artists are glorified karaoke performers. Souflet dances behind her rig from start to finish. Huge towers over the audience, constantly dancing, singing, engaging the audience and holding our attention. The mix is a little bass-heavy, but that’s almost to be expected. The set, which includes a healthy variety of old and new material ranging from “Keep Your Eyes Peeled” to “This Is Not About You” and “Wrong Floor,” is a non-stop mix without breaks between the songs. This could but does not limit Huge’s interaction with the crowd. It’s brisk without feeling rushed. A two-song encore wraps up the night nicely.
Huge’s presence and Souflet’s energy make for a formidable live performance. Having mastered the standard formula, the only question is where they’ll take their music next. Will they play it safe or make a run at being unpredictable and innovative? I hope they take risks, switch up the tempo and add a layer of atmosphere to go with their pulsing beats. Either way, I expect ULTRA SUNN to keep packing the dance floor for as long as they are wanting.
Photo courtesy of Alejandro Lomeli
Read more from past concert review:
Ashnikko @ The Union 03.06.2026
Lights @ Metro Music Hall 02.24.2026